Tool Monitoring Method

ABSTRACT

A method for monitoring a tool set is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the method comprises configuring a tool organizer in an open configuration. The tool organizer contains at least a portion of a tool set. The method further comprises visually inspecting the contents of the tool organizer to determine a first level of completeness of the tool set; recording the first level of completeness of the tool set; releasing the tool organizer and contents for use by a third party; receiving the tool organizer and returned contents from the third party; configuring the tool organizer in an open configuration; visually inspecting the returned contents of the tool organizer to determine a second level of completeness of the tool set; and comparing the first level of completeness with the second level of completeness to determine whether one or more tools from the tool set are missing.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/029,173, filed Feb. 11, 2008, which is a Continuation of applicationSer. No. 11/166,903, filed Jun. 24, 2005, issued as U.S. Pat. No.7,328,905, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No.10/667,251, filed Sep. 19, 2003, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,945,546. Theentirety of the above-referenced applications are incorporated byreference herein for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to portable tool boxes, chests,containers and organizers for storing, transporting and organizing setsof tools. Specifically, the present invention relates to a wheeled toolorganizer having vertical tool supports which may be disposed in an openor closed configuration, facilitating a visual inspection of all toolswhen disposed in the open configuration.

2. Description of the Related Art

Portable tool boxes and tool cabinets are well known for storing andtransporting tool sets. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,378,005 describes aportable tool truck invented by George Norton. The '005 device comprisesa plastic body with a compartment formed in the front face of the bodyadapted to retain tools therein, and two doors mounted on either side ofthe body. The doors pivot in opposite directions into an overlappingarrangement that seals off the compartment formed by the face of thebody. While the invention of Norton is adequate for retaining andtransporting tools, it does not facilitate taking a visual inventory ofall of the tools retained therein. Further, the invention of Nortonfails to provide a specific place for each tool of a tool set.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Advantages of the Invention

The method of the present application provides numerous advantages andbenefits over prior art tool organization methods. Such advantages andbenefits will be readily ascertained by those of ordinary skill in therelated arts.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a first method formonitoring a tool set is provided. The method comprises configuring atool organizer in an open configuration. The tool organizer contains atleast a portion of a tool set. The method further comprises visuallyinspecting the contents of the tool organizer to determine a first levelof completeness of the tool set; recording the first level ofcompleteness of the tool set; releasing the tool organizer and contentsfor use by a third party; receiving the tool organizer and returnedcontents from the third party; configuring the tool organizer in an openconfiguration; visually inspecting the returned contents of the toolorganizer to determine a second level of completeness of the tool set;and comparing the first level of completeness with the second level ofcompleteness to determine whether one or more tools from the tool setare missing.

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention arereadily apparent from the following description of the preferredembodiments when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Comprehension of the invention is facilitated by reading the followingdetailed description, in conjunction with the associated drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first example tool organizer disposedin a closed configuration in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tool organizer of FIG. 1 disposed inan open configuration;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the tool organizer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the tool organizer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the tool organizer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the tool organizer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the tool organizer of FIG. 1 with astorage drawer removed;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the tool belt of the tool organizer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the tool belt of the tool organizer ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second example tool organizer inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the tool organizer of FIG. 10 with atool module removed;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the tool organizer of FIG. 10 with bothtool modules removed;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a seat bracket and the upper frame of thetool organizer of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the tool organizer of FIG. 10 withboth tool modules removed;

FIG. 15 illustrates the removable tool carrier of the tool organizer ofFIG. 10;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps of an examplemethod for accounting for a set of tools which may be checked out to athird party for use.

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a third example tool organizer inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 17B is a side view of the third example tool organizer of FIG. 17A;

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the third example tool organizer of FIG.17A;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the third example tool organizer ofFIG. 17A with the tool bag and both tool modules removed;

FIGS. 20A-20E are side views of the third example tool organizer of FIG.17A illustrating various handle positions;

FIGS. 21A-21D are side views of the third example tool organizer of FIG.17A illustrating various handle positions;

FIG. 22A is a side view of the third example tool organizer of FIG. 17Aillustrating the upper frame portion in an open position;

FIG. 22B is a side view of the third example tool organizer of FIG. 17Aillustrating the upper frame portion in a partially folded position; and

FIG. 22C is a side view of the third example tool organizer of FIG. 17Aillustrating the upper frame portion in a completely folded position.

DRAWING REFERENCE NUMERALS

The following reference characters identify the associated elementsdepicted in the drawings describing the present invention

-   100 Tool organizer 1122 Tool support-   110 Frame 1124A/B Bracket-   112 Handle 1126A/B Supporting cross-member-   114 Rear wheel 1202 Step-   116 Front wheel 1204 Brake lever-   118 Parts box 1302 Travel base-   120 Load bearing step 1304 Seat-   124 Storage bin 1306 Seat belt-   130 Vertical tool support 1308A/B Prongs-   132 Retaining means 1310A/B Receptacles-   140 Tool fastener 1402 Removable tool carrier-   142 Tool indicia 1404 Storage compartment-   144 Tool 1406 Handle-   150 Protrusion 1502 Handle-   155 Retaining means 1504A/B Attachment hooks-   400 Tool belt 1506 Shoulder strap-   410 Belt portion 1700 Foldable tool organizer-   412 First belt end 1812 First tool module-   414 Second belt end 1814 Second tool module-   416 Pad 1816 Upper frame component-   418 Tool belt handle 1818 Lower frame component-   420 Tool support 1820 Handle-   1000 Modular tool organizer 1822 Tray-   1012 Handle 1850 Tool bag-   1014 Tray 1910 Hinge-   1016 Pin 1912 Indexing plate-   1018 Hinge 1914 Indexing holes-   1020 Rear wheel 1916 Pin-   1022 Front wheel 1950 Integrated cover-   1024 Storage box 1952 Alarm-   1030 Tool support handle 2110 Lock plate-   1032 Tool support retainer 2112 Hinge-   1040 Tool fastener 2114 Guide bolt-   1042 Tool indicia 2116 Pin-   1112 First tool module 2118 Spring-   1114 Second tool module 2120 Release rod-   1116 Upper frame component 2122 Release handle-   1118 Lower frame component 2130 Hinge-   1120A/B Knob

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawing figures, there is illustrated in FIG. 1, afirst example tool organizer 100 embodying the present invention. Toolorganizer 100 is intended to contain a predetermined set of tools foruse by a professional or hobbyist at a location within or away from awork shop. Tool organizer 100 comprises a frame 110 including a handle112. The frame 110 is supported by two rear tires 114 and two frontcasters 116. The frame 110 supports several parts storage boxes 118 forcontaining miscellaneous tools, machine parts, work pieces and/oraccessories that may be commonly needed by the user.

Tool organizer 100 includes a set of storage panels or vertical toolsupports 130 for storing a specific set of tools. The specific set oftools may be selected based on the typical activities of the user. Forexample, the tool organizer 100 may be populated with a first set oftools for a plumber, a second set of tools for an electrician, or athird set of tools for a general maintenance worker. In the illustratedembodiment, each vertical support includes a rigid inner structure andan outer fabric covering which forms one or more tool fasteners 140 tohold a tool 144. Each tool fastener 140 has a specific size and shape soas to properly contain a specific tool 144 and includes a tool indicia142 indicating the specific tool 144 which is associated with the toolfastener 140. Each tool fastener 140 of the example tool organizer 100is a pocket into which a specific tool 144 may be placed and stored. Ofcourse, other types of tool fasteners 140 may be contemplated, such asloops, straps, Velcro, and hooks, for example.

The tool organizer 100 may be disposed in a closed configuration, asillustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, or in an open configuration, asdescribed more fully below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 6. The toolorganizer may be disposed in the closed configuration by securing thevertical tool panels 130 using a panel retaining means 132. In theillustrated embodiment, the panel retaining means 132 are straps thatemploy hook and loop fasteners, commonly referred to as Velcro. Ofcourse, retaining means of other types, including snap fasteners,buckles and hasps, for example, are acceptable substitutes.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 6, by releasing the retaining means 132,the user can open the vertical tool panels 130 of the tool organizer100. This enables the user to visually detect every tool 144 of theparticular tool set contained within the tool organizer 100, and noteany missing tools using the associated indicia.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is presentedfor using the example tool organizer 100 to facilitate an inspectionand/or inventory process to efficiently determine a first level ofcompleteness, i.e. to identify any missing tools from the set of tools.The method begins with disposing the tool organizer 100 in an openconfiguration and visually inspecting each tool fastener 140 todetermine whether a tool 144 is disposed therein. The visual inspectionfurther includes determining whether the each tool 144 disposed within atool fastener 140 is associated with the tool indicia 142. Preferably,the tool indicia 142 is a printed tool name, although it may be analpha-numeric code or other indicia such as bar-code.

The method also includes recording the first level of completeness ofthe tool set, such as by noting the missing tools or tool indicia. Thefurther includes releasing the tool organizer and contents to a thirdparty and, at some future time, receiving the tool organizer 100 andreturned contents from the third party. Again, the user configures thetool organizer 100 in an open configuration and visually inspects thereturned contents of the tool organizer 100 to determine a second levelof completeness of the tool set. The first and second levels ofcompleteness are compared to determine whether one or more tools 144from the tool set were not returned with the tool organizer 100.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, respective side and rear views of theexample tool organizer 100 are depicted. As illustrated, the toolorganizer 100 includes an integrated tool belt 400 which may be detachedfrom tool organizer 100 and used to carry a subset of the tool set apartfrom the tool organizer 100. In an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention, the tool belt 400 may be replaced by a tool bag or tool boxto maintain the same accountability as the tool organizer 100.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is illustrated the tool belt 400 detachedfrom the tool organizer 100. Tool belt 400 includes a belt portion 410having a first end 412 and a second end 414. A retaining means 415 isdisposed at belt end 414. Tool belt 400 also includes a tool support 420for holding the subset of tools and a handle 418. Like the toolfasteners of the panels of the tool organizer 100, each tool fastener ofthe tool belt has a particular size and shape to securely hold aspecific tool, and each tool fastener of the tool belt 400 has anassociated indicia of the specific tool to be stored.

When integrated with the tool organizer, the retaining means 415 of beltend 414 cooperates with a corresponding strap 155 attached to the toolorganizer. Likewise, belt end 412 cooperates with a retaining means (notshown) also attached to the tool organizer 100. The weight of the toolsin the tool belt 400 is further supported by handle 418 which may belooped over a correspondingly place protrusion 150 formed within theframe 110 of tool organizer 100.

When the tool belt 400 is not integrated with tool organizer 100,retaining means 415 may cooperate with belt end 412 to form a loop whichmay be placed around a user's waist or over a user's shoulder, asillustrated in FIG. 10. Tool belt 400 also includes a pad 416 todistribute pressure and provide a cushion for the user when the toolbelt 400 is worn over the shoulder. Alternatively, the user may usehandle 418 to carry tool belt 400.

Modular Tool Organizer

There is illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, a second example tool organizer1000 embodying the present invention. Tool organizer 1000 isparticularly useful for professionals who may be required to supply aset of tools at a remote worksite. Modular tool organizer 1000 isdesigned to be easily placed in and removed from a passenger vehicle ortruck. Modular tool organizer 1000 comprises four major components whichmay be disassembled to facilitate transportation and reassembled at aremote workplace. The four major components are a first tool module1112, a second tool module 1114, an upper frame component 1116, and alower frame component 1118.

Upper frame component 1116 includes a handle 1012 and a tray 1014.Handle 1012 and tray 1014 are integrated into the upper frame 1116 by ahinge 1018, and they may be adjusted to any of several positions usingan adjustment mechanism, such as a spring-loaded pin 1016. For example,handle 1012 may be positioned at a roughly 45 degree angle toaccommodate moving and tilting the fully assembled tool organizer 1000,as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. Handle 1012 may be positioned horizontally,as illustrated in FIG. 12, to serve as a work surface to hold tools orspare parts during a job. In yet another example, handle 1012 may alsobe positioned vertically to conserve space during transporting thecomponents of the tool organizer 1000, as illustrated in FIG. 13.

Referring back to FIG. 11, the two tool modules 1112 and 1114 attach toand are supported by the upper frame component 1116. Tool module 1112,for example, attaches to the upper frame 1116 using brackets 1124A and1124B which engage corresponding cross-members 1126A and 1126B of theupper frame component 1116. Each of the two tool modules 1112 and 1114may be lifted and maneuvered using a tool support handle such as handle1030, and each includes two vertical tool supports, such as tool support1122 of tool module 1112. As in the first example embodiment, thevertical tool supports may be retained by tool support closure 1032, andeach vertical support includes one or more tool fasteners 1040 to hold atool, and each tool fastener 1040 has a specific size and shape so as toproperly contain a specific tool. Each tool fastener 1040 furtherincludes a tool indicia 1042 indicating the specific tool which isassociated with the tool fastener.

Lower frame component 1118 includes two rear wheels 1020 and two frontcasters 1022. The lower frame component 1118 supports several partsstorage boxes 1024 for holding various machine parts, work pieces and/oraccessories that may be commonly needed by the user, but are typicallynot considered part of the tool inventory. Lower frame component 1118includes two apertures for receiving two corresponding prongs 1308A and1308E of upper frame component 1116. When the upper frame component 1116is received by lower frame component 1118, the two may be secured bytightening corresponding knobs 1120A and 1120B. These attachmentmechanisms enable the tool organizer 1000 to be assembled anddisassembled as desired.

Referring now to FIG. 12, tool organizer 1000 is illustrated with bothtool modules 1112 and 1114 removed. The removal of the tool modulesfacilitates the use of step 1202 which is integrated into the lowerframe component 1118. The tool organizer 1000 may be stabilized usingbrake 1204 which prevents rotation of the rear wheels 1020.

Referring now to FIG. 13, there is illustrated a travel base 1302 whichadapted to fit in a passenger seat of a car or truck, such as seat 1304.Travel base 1302 may be secured to seat 1304 using a standard passiverestraint, such as seatbelt 1306. Travel base 1302 includes receptacles1310A and 1310B which are adapted to receive corresponding prongs 1308Aand 1308B of upper frame 1116. Upon securing travel base 1302 to seat1304 and attaching upper frame component 1116 to travel base 1302, toolmodules 1112 and 1114 may be attached to upper frame component 1116. Themodular nature of tool organizer 1000 enables the tool organizer to beeasily inserted and removed from a car or truck. By breaking the toolorganizer into several modules, the weight of the assembled toolorganizer and its contents may be distributed over all of the modules,each of which may be more easily lifted and maneuvered.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a rear perspective view of tool organizer 1000is illustrated. As shown, the lower frame 1118 includes a rear storagecompartment 1404, saw horse support 1408 and a handle 1406. Handle 1406may be used to facilitate lifting the lower frame component 1118 intoand out of a transporting vehicle. Saw horse support 1408 may be used tosupport a piece of wood or other workpiece to facilitate cutting thewood or other workpiece, A removable tool carrier 1402, more clearlyillustrated in FIG. 15, is shown attached to the rear of tool organizer1000.

Removable tool carrier 1402 includes a handle 1502, two attachment hooks1504A and 1504B and an adjustable shoulder strap 1506. Removable toolcarrier 1402 further includes a plurality of tool fasteners. Each toolfastener has a specific size and shape so as to properly contain aspecific tool. Each tool fastener further includes a tool indiciaindicating the specific tool which is associated with the tool fastener.

Method for Using Tool Organizer

Referring now to FIG. 16, there is illustrated an example methodologyfor using the example tool organizer to track, maintain and account fora set of tools which may be checked out to a third party for use.Examples of such third parties include, for example, in-housemaintenance personnel and independent contractors. At block 1605, themethodology includes configuring the tool organizer in an openconfiguration. By so configuring the tool organizer, every tool retainedtherein may be visually inspected (1610) by flipping through thevertical tool supports, similar to leafing through the pages of a book.

Upon or during the visual inspection, a level of completeness of thetool set is recorded (1615). The level of completeness may be any of anumber of representations of the tool set, including a list of toolsmissing from the tool set, a list of tools present in the tool set, agrade according to a predetermined scale, or a set of check marks in aninventory list, for example. At block 1620, the tool organizer may bechecked out or released to the third party for use.

Once the third party returns the tool organizer (1625), the contents areonce again visually inspected to determine a level of completeness atthe time of check-in (1630). The first and second levels of completenessare then compared to determine any changes in the tool set (1635).Appropriate actions may be taken by the owner of the tool set based onany changes to the tool set. For example, the third party may be chargedfor any missing tools.

Foldable Tool Organizer

There is illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B, a third example toolorganizer 1700 embodying the present invention. Tool organizer 1700 isparticularly useful for professionals who may be required to supply aset of tools at a remote worksite. Foldable tool organizer 1700 isdesigned to be easily placed in and removed from a passenger vehicle ortruck. Foldable tool organizer 1700 comprises components which may beconfigured to facilitate transportation and reconfigured at a remoteworkplace. As illustrated in FIG. 18, the components include a firsttool module 1812, a second tool module 1814, a foldable upper framecomponent 1816, and a lower frame component 1818. A removable tool bag1850 or other tool carrier may be optionally included with the foldabletool organizer 1700.

Referring now to FIG. 19, upper frame component 1816 includes a handle1820 and a tray 1822. Handle 1820 and tray 1822 are integrated into theupper frame component 1816 by a hinge 1910, and they may be adjusted toany of several positions using an adjustment mechanism, such as aspring-loaded pin 1916. Pin 1916 cooperates with indexing holes 1914 ofindexing plate 1912 to secure handle 1820 and tray 1822 in a positiondetermined the indexing holes 1914. Of course, although indexing holes1914 are illustrated in detail on only one side of tool organizer 1700,they may be provided on both sides of the tool organizer to provideincreased stability. As further illustrated in FIGS. 20A-20D and FIGS.21A-21D, handle 1820 and tray 1822 may be positioned at any of a numberof predetermined angles associated with the indexing holes 1914.Further, as illustrated by FIG. 20E, handle 1820 and tray 1822 may bepositioned approximately parallel with upper frame component 1816 toaccommodate transportation of the tool organizer 1700. Optionally,indexing holes may be provided to secure the handle 1820 and tray 1822in such a folded position.

Referring now to FIG. 22A, tool organizer 1700 is shown in an openposition or configuration. As shown in the detail view of FIG. 22A, theupper frame component 1816 is attached to the lower frame component 1818via a lock plate 2110. Lock plate 2110 is secured to the upper framecomponent 1816 by a hinge 2112, and lock plate 2110 is secured to thelower frame component 1818 by a guide bolt 2114. The upper framecomponent 1816 is maintained in an upright, open configuration by springpin 2116 which passes through an aperture in the lower frame component1818.

To prepare the tool organizer 1700 to be transported in a vehicle or forstorage in a more space efficient manner, it may be configured into amore compact shape. Namely, the handle 1820 and tray 1822 may be foldedto be roughly parallel with the upper frame component 1818, aspreviously described, and the upper frame component 1818 may be foldedforward and down as illustrated in FIGS. 22B and 22C.

In order to fold the upper frame component 1816 of tool organizer 1700,the pin 2116 securing the upright position of the upper frame componentmay be removed from the aperture in the lower frame component 1818. Toremove the pin, spring 2118 may be retracted by lifting release rod 2120using release handle 2122. Once pin 2116 is removed, the upper framecomponent 1816 is free to rotate about hinge 2130. Forward rotation ofthe upper frame component causes the lock plate 2110 to slide downwardrelative to the guide bolt 2114 attached to the lower frame component1818. Once the upper frame component has been sufficiently foldedforward, a notched option of the lock plate cooperates with the guidebolt 2114 to secure the upper frame component 1816 in the folded orclosed configuration. The tool organizer 1700 may be reconfigured intothe open position by reversing the process.

Foldable tool organizer 1700 further includes an integrated cover 1950and alarm 1952 illustrated in FIG. 19. When not in use, the exampleintegrated cover 1950 may be stored in a container attached to the toolorganizer, Cover 1950 may be removed and unfolded to completely coverthe tool organizer and its contents. Cover 1950 may be used to protectthe tool organizer and its contents from inclement conditions or toprotect against theft. Cover 1950 may include a mechanism for lockingthe cover to prevent unauthorized use of the tool organizer or itscontents. Alarm 1952 may be a motion sensing alarm which may beactivated to prevent tampering with an unattended tool organizer or itscontents. In one embodiment, alarm 1952 and cover 1950 may be usedsimultaneously to secure the tool organizer. In such an embodiment, thecover may include indicia warning that the tool organizer is armed withan alarm.

Although the invention has been described in terms of specificembodiments and applications, persons skilled in the art can, in lightof this teaching, generate additional embodiments without exceeding thescope or departing from the spirit of the claimed invention.Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawing and description inthis disclosure are proffered to facilitate comprehension of theinvention, and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.

1. A method for monitoring a tool set, comprising: configuring a toolorganizer in an open configuration, the tool organizer containing atleast a portion of a tool set; visually inspecting the contents of thetool organizer to determine a first level of completeness of the toolset; recording the first level of completeness of the tool set;releasing the tool organizer and contents for use by a third party;receiving the tool organizer and returned contents from the third party;configuring the tool organizer in an open configuration; visuallyinspecting the returned contents of the tool organizer to determine asecond level of completeness of the tool set; and comparing the firstlevel of completeness with the second level of completeness to determinewhether one or more tools from the tool set are missing.
 2. The methodof claim 1, wherein recording the first level of completeness includescompleting a paper form.